The landscape of real estate in North Carolina is evolving fast — and whether agents like it or not, investor activity, off-market offers, wholesaling, and creative deal structures are here to stay.

But here’s the truth:

👉 Many REALTORS® have no idea how wholesaling actually works
👉 Many wholesalers don’t understand where the legal lines are
👉 And many brokerages are instructing agents to “avoid wholesalers at all costs”

This has created confusion, misinformation, and unnecessary fear in our industry.

I’m writing this blog to give REALTORS® a clear, professional understanding of how wholesaling actually functions in NC, why it’s still allowed, what’s changing, and how to work with wholesalers safely and legally without jeopardizing your license.

1. Why Many Brokerages Tell Agents “Do NOT Work With Wholesalers”

Let’s address the elephant in the room:

Yes — many brokerages (including mine) advise their agents NOT to work with wholesalers.

And here’s the real reason:

❗ It’s not because wholesaling is always illegal.

❗ It’s because the legal boundaries are complicated to explain.

❗ And because many agents can’t identify what is legal vs. unlicensed brokerage.

Most BICs simply don’t have the time, training, or capacity to walk agents through:

• How assignments actually work

• What equitable interest means

• When wholesaling becomes unlicensed brokerage

• What a compliant structure looks like

• What a double closing entails

• How novations work with lenders and attorneys

• How compensation flows legally

So Broker-in-Charges take the safest route:

➡️ “Avoid wholesalers.”

Not because the entire wholesale business is illegal…
…but because they do not trust inexperienced agents to understand the difference between compliant and non-compliant activity.

And honestly?
They aren’t wrong.

If an agent doesn’t understand wholesaling, they should avoid it — because ignorance can cost you your license.

2. Why I STILL Work With Wholesalers — And Why I’m Successful With It

I work with wholesalers because I understand the legal boundaries, the structures, the compliancy requirements, and the risks.

I also understand:

• What “equitable interest” actually means

• When assignments are legal

• When wholesale behavior becomes unlicensed brokerage

• Office policies regarding compensation

• What attorneys require for closing

• What lenders will and won’t allow

• When it’s safe to represent the buyer

• When the wholesaler must have a license

• When the wholesaler must stand down

I only work with wholesalers who are:

• Transparent

• Ethical

• Attorney-represented

• Properly structured

• Compliant with NC law

• Not performing unlicensed brokerage

Compliance is the difference between a deal and a disciplinary case.
I know exactly what compliance looks like — and I know how to protect my license AND my clients while collaborating with legitimate wholesalers.

This is why investors and wholesalers trust me — and why REALTORS® trust sending their investors to me.

3. Wholesaling in NC: What REALTORS® Need to Know (Not the Social Media Version)

Wholesaling is still legal in North Carolina if the wholesaler is a bona fide buyer with equitable interest.

Assignments, double closings, and novations are all legal structures, provided they’re done correctly.

What’s NOT legal:

❌ Acting as a broker without a license
❌ Marketing a property you don’t own
❌ Negotiating between buyer and seller for compensation
❌ Offering “find a buyer” services
❌ Advertising a seller’s property without agency
❌ Collecting fees that constitute real estate brokerage

This is where most wholesalers cross the line — and where most REALTORS® accidentally step into dangerous territory simply because they don’t know the rules.

4. HB 797: The Incoming Shift REALTORS® Must Be Ready For

HB 797 isn’t fully law yet, but it signals what’s coming:

• Wholesaling will be defined more clearly

• More disclosures will be required

• Regulations will be stricter

• Unlicensed activity will be a bigger target

• Sellers will have additional protections

• REALTORS® will play a larger role in investor transactions

Changes are coming — and agents who understand this space now will dominate later.

5. How REALTORS® Can Work With Wholesalers Safely

Here’s how compliant collaboration works:

✔️ 1. Never list a property unless your client is the legal owner

Wholesaler contracts DO NOT belong on the MLS.

✔️ 2. Verify the wholesaler’s equitable interest

Ask for:

• The contract

• Amendments

• Assignment rights

• Proof of DD/EM paid

• Their attorney’s contact

✔️ 3. Stay in your lane

You represent YOUR client — not the wholesaler, not the seller, not both?

✔️ 4. Let attorneys handle the structure

This includes:

• Assignment agreements

• Novations

• Transactional funding

• Double closings

✔️ 5. No illegal fee sharing

If the wholesaler is unlicensed, you cannot:

• Split assignment fees

• Pay referral fees

• Pay “marketing” fees that are really brokerage compensation

✔️ 6. Educate your clients

Investors rely on competent agents who understand:

• Wholesaler roles

• Assignment risks

• Funding timelines

• Title requirements

• Legal boundaries

This is part of ethical representation.

6. How I Serve as a Resource to REALTORS® Navigating This Space

If you’re a REALTOR® who:

• Has investor clients

• Has sellers receiving off-market offers

• Has buyers exploring wholesale deals

• Doesn’t understand assignment structures

• Wants to avoid license risk

• Wants to protect their clients

• Wants to collaborate with compliant wholesalers

• Wants clarity before advising their brokerage

I can help.

I also have:

• Investor-friendly attorneys who handle assignments, novations, and double closings

• Private money lenders for flips, rentals, DSCR loans, transactional funding, and bridge loans

• Education for REALTORS® who want to learn

• Experience closing compliant investor transactions

I bridge the gap between traditional and creative real estate — safely.

7. REALTORS® Who Understand Wholesaling Will Thrive

The agents who say, “I don’t do wholesaling” will soon be at a disadvantage.

The agents who say, “I understand it, I know the rules, and I know how to protect my client” will:

• Get more listings

• Attract more investors

• Close more off-market deals

• Reduce legal risk

• Gain trust

• Build a larger network

• Become the go-to agent for creative transactions

This is where the industry is going — whether you like it or not.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Fear Wholesaling — You Need to Understand It

Most brokerages advise agents to stay away from wholesalers because it’s easier than explaining the law.

I get that.

But I also know this:

👉 When a REALTOR® understands compliance, wholesaling becomes a powerful opportunity.
👉 When structured correctly, these deals are legal, profitable, and beneficial to clients.
👉 When monitored properly, wholesalers can be incredible partners.

I understand compliance.
I understand the legal boundaries.
And I am wholesaler-friendly — when the wholesaler is compliant and operating ethically.

If you want clarity, collaboration, or guidance — I’m here.

Connect as Professionals

📲 Call or text: (336) 567-5843
Brokered by Real Broker, LLC — NCREL #312309
Jessica J. Baldovinos | @JessicaJBRealtor

Book a 15-minute conversation:
👉 https://calendly.com/jessicajbrealtor